Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Keep the can of worms on the shelf or outside in the vortex where they will freeze. If opened you may find they morphed into spring loaded snakes! Ask me how I know...

Good on you for the electronics and engine forensics. Put it back together with $mart effort.., you should have the shit eating grin accelerating onto the Metro highways soon! Adjust as needed. Then, maybe, go full balls out on a resto after more time getting to know her, IMHO.

Nice story so far!

The man has a plan! So glad to see you have the ability, that will help you so much in completing this project!

notoptoy wrote: Tue Feb 05, 2019 11:46 am I always recommend the project timeline that allows drive time and bonding with the Roadster, it's much more rewarding, plus you may find that you want to change additional things, or NOT change some things based on your driving experience.

This 100%

I was so happy that I got to drive my Roadster back from Napa to my place in Culver City. After the initial 100 miles to my parents house in San Jose, I became worried and figured I could just tow it the rest of the way behind my brothers moving truck, but when that plan didnt work out and I had to drive it, it ended up being an awesome experience. Ive also put an additional 2000 miles on it, even scrambling the night before Solvang to finish up the water pump and making the drive without an issue. Now, after ~18 months of ownership and my own private garage Im going a little deeper into the motor to get myself prepared for many more thousands of miles, though this are going to be a little "rougher" as I plan on tracking it.

My .02 build that motor up and drive it, make small changes along the way, and then when its time for the big rebuild, you'll know. Mine may never get a frame off, but who knows. Its slated to be a track car and I intend to keep it nice, but not too nice! haha

Chapter 7...

During a 4 month intermission, I have researched and acquired the necessary parts for my restoration. **Disclaimer**, I'm not comfortable with that term because I've been reading many of your posts of the mods you all have made. To classify this rebuild as a "Restoration", should not hold true. A "restoration rebuild" should be within the guidelines of originality I believe. I try to stay as close to original as I can. However, when the opportunity arises where I can add mods to make her perform better, I will. Hence, "RestoMod"?? I love the timeless look of the roadster with the classic flow of her lines but I also want to her performing well with modern amenities.

While researching parts for the roadster, I was strict on looking for either OEM or a "Made in the USA" equivalent for the U20. The following parts were acquired and replaced their older predecessors. Thank you JT & Lynn @ DatsunRestorationProducts. They were very helpful and informative, assisting me in every way. It was decided the U20 will be bored .060 over and a set of JT forged pistons were ordered. A new Oil pump was determined to be needed. Paul magnafluxed the block and balanced the crank, rods & pistons. The Head was slightly shaved. The repairs were made internally to the valve seats and that gouging in the metal that occurred. New SS intake & exhaust valves were replaced. All the bearings were replaced as well as a connecting rod or two. Then came those very beautifully crafted adjustable timing gears and timing chains. Paul ended up modifying the "evil L" with consultation from JT so it saved me a little for the upper guide. The lower guide and both tensioners & chains were replaced with new ones. The "B cam" was in great condition. Of course, new frost plugs and ARP studs & head bolts were replaced. I pulled the trigger and acquired JT's gorgeous LW steel flywheel with the 225 clutch as the frosting on the cake. The excitement brews... I pulled off the air vent screen just above the hood latch and the pan that sits within was a pagoda red and not the spanish red the car is currently painted in. That leads me to believe this roadster was possibly an original red roadster. I'm completely ecstatic about this discovery. I'm not particularly a fan of "Red" but I think these cars are sexy in this color. When that phase of the restoration comes, She will be dressed in red. Since I'm not a fan of the Nissan blue color for the engine block, I decided that too, will be dressed in red.
After;

In the mean time., I have replaced the front axel bearings & seals myself in preparation for the return of the U20. However, I will delay replacing the rear axel seals til I experience the drive of the new engine mated to the 3.70 five speed rear end that's currently there now. I figure I will do those seals when I swap out for the 3.90 rear end that many of you have suggested doing to get the most out of the U20. BTW., replacing those seals myself was very relaxing and rewarding. Lets see how far I drive before the wheels come flying off.. The excitement brews further...
Many of you may think I'm a bit goofy by stating this., but I really enjoy reading your roadster mods and upon research, hunting for the parts. It's fun for me. I have met and befriended many roadsterholics along the way and all have helped me. I was recently up in nearby Wisconsin to look at a 69 1600 for the wife. It was then I decided that I rather wait for a low windshield 67 or earlier and do a SR20 swap. Though I did not purchase the roadster, I did come across a 1984-85 RX7 gsl-se rear end he had and made an offer which he accepted... During many late nights reading various articles and 311 posts, I remember reading about how rare this part is and the significance. I figure it was a good part to store on the shelf for that future SR20 restomod roadster once i get this one finished.

Eiji at DatsunSpirit, emailed me and the Twins have been rebuilt., cleaned and are on their way home soon. When they arrived they look great... Very excited to put them back on.
The next decision I have to ponder would be the exhaust system. It will be a SS exhaust from JT but I wonder should I re install those terrible previous headers now and just drive this summer, or install the new SS headers and exhaust now only to dismantle and reinstall for the frame off later this year?? Summers here and I’m giddy to give her a run. Now the reassembly begins...